Why it matters here
Municipal water pressure in Oshawa is usually steady, but pressure inside a house depends on the pipes between the street and the tap. Older homes with galvanized lines, homes on long service lines and rural homes with wells all have their own pressure stories. Low pressure is frustrating and can hide a leak that should be fixed.
Step by step
- Check more than one faucet. If only one fixture is weak, the problem is local: a clogged aerator, a failing cartridge or a kinked supply line.
- Clean the aerator or showerhead. Unscrew and soak in vinegar.
- Check hot and cold separately. Weak hot water only can point to the water heater or its valves.
- Inspect the main shut-off. Make sure it is fully open, especially after work on the house.
- Look at the pressure-reducing valve. If your home has one close to the main, it may have failed or been set low.
- Test pressure. A gauge on an outdoor tap shows the incoming pressure.
- Check for leaks. A leak anywhere can drop pressure. Do the meter test with everything off.
A pressure gauge that screws onto a hose tap is cheap and takes guesswork out of the conversation.
Mistakes to avoid
- Replacing a showerhead when the whole house is low.
- Cranking a pressure-reducing valve without measuring first.
- Ignoring a sudden drop, which can signal a leak on the service line.
- Assuming the city is at fault without reviewing your neighbours.
When to call a plumber
Phone when the pressure is low at every fixture, when it dropped suddenly, or when you suspect galvanized pipe. We test, locate the restriction and explain the options, from a valve replacement to repiping. A new gas heater can have smaller connections; see gas water heater replacement. Weak toilet fills are usually a valve issue covered by toilet repair, and our guide to fixing a running toilet goes over the basics.